Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Folk Roots Radio on September 27 (Episode 165) featured one of our best recent editions, our end of the festival season show from August 30 2014. Unfortunately I was struck down with a virus on the way back from a short family break to Florida. That will teach me to think about taking a holiday!

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Claude Parlour welcome Relative Harmony to Caledon on Sunday October 5 2014 for a show at Claude Presbyterian Church, 15175 Hurontario Street (Hwy 10), Caledon at 7:30 p.m. (Doors 7:00 p.m.). Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online HERE. Relative Harmony are Rick Avery, Judy Greenhill, Jonathan Avery and Judy Avery. Their most recent album “Rolling Home” (2012) features all four band members playing a plethora of instruments in a predominantly Celtic traditional style, with country and jazz stylings creeping in. For more information, visit relative harmony.com. Music: Relative Harmony “If He’s Gone Let Him Go” from “Rolling Home” (2011, Self).

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Cambridge ON based three piece folk/rock alternative band Factory City have a CD release on Saturday September 27 at The Burns Howff Scottish Pub, 95 Saginaw pkwy, Cambridge. The cover is $5 or free with CD purchase! Factory City have been together since 2013, although all of members are stalwarts of the local scene. They feature guitarist/vocalist Mike Meacher, Fyl Bennett on stand-up bass and drummer Mat Bowman. Stylistically they describe their music as blurring the lines between folk music and rock alternative with songs that tell stories of love, tragedy, grief and hope. For more information visit factorymusic.com. Music: Factory City, For You from Factory City (2014, Self)

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Guy Davis is a master of both traditional and contemporary blues, and definitely worth checking out in concert. The good news is that he will be touring in Ontario this fall. Guy will be playing nine Ontario dates during the tour including Hugh’s Room in Toronto (October 3), The Acoustic Grill in Picton (October 7) and NEAT Bursntown Schoolhouse (October 12). As well as regular shows, he’ll also be be playing a Wellesley and District Lions Club fundraiser at the Wellesley Community Centre, 1000 Maple Street in Wellesley on October 8 at 7 p.m. Advance tickets for the fundraiser are $20 ($25 at the door). The proceeds will support the construction of an accessible playground in Wellesley. Advance tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased by e-mailing Peter van der Maas at buyguydavis@gmail.com. Guy’s latest album, the fabulous “Juba Dance”, from 2013, features Fabrizio Poggi on harmonica, the Blind Boys of Alabama and Lea Gilmore. For more information on all the Ontario shows, visit guydavis.com. Music: Guy Davis, “Love looks Good On You” from “Juba Dance” (2013, Red House Records).

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Fearing & White are back on tour in Ontario and Alberta. The collaboration between Stephen Fearing & Andy White released their second album, “Tea & Confidences” earlier this year. We caught up with Andy White prior to their barnstorming appearance at this year’s Hillside Festival. As it seemed only fair that we check in with the other half of this pair of wandering minstrels, we reached Stephen Fearing at home in Halifax. During our fun and wide-ranging conversation we tackled such topics as balancing solo and band commitments, recording and touring “Tea & Confidences”, why Gary Craig is such a great drummer, music as a business for independent artists 101 and the ‘Manzer guitar / Air Canada incident’. It’s well worth a listen. Music: Fearing & White, “Emigrant Song”, “Tomorrow Takes A Long Time”, “We Came Together” and “To The Great Unknown” from “Tea & Confidences” (2014, Lowdenproud).

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

When Jesse Winchester passed away early in 2014 I think many people thought that the music had died with him. Well, the good news is that is not the case. A new album, “A Reasonable Amount Of Trouble”, has just been released on Appleseed Recordings. The album was recorded while Jesse’s cancer was in remission and features nine Jesse compositions alongside three cover versions.

The self-written songs on the album are all quintessentially Jesse Winchester – songs that cover the whole gamut of life experiences from transient pleasures (“All That We Have Is Now”), to tongue-in-cheek rockers (“Never Forget to Boogie”), and an uneasy peace (the heartwrenching “Just So Much”). Never maudlin, A Reasonable Amount of Trouble is inevitably tinged with an awareness of mortality but not a drop of self-pity. The covers are all sweet oldies, “Rhythm of the Rain”, “Devil or Angel” and “Whispering Bells”. Jesse plays acoustic guitar and keyboard and sings in his uniquely weightless tenor, there’s an attuned rhythm section, and guest appearances by “newgrass” country Grammy winner Jerry Douglas on lap steel and legendary saxophonist Jim Horn, among others. The new album was produced by Mac McAnally (Jimmy Buffet’s producer), who also plays lead guitar. Buffet, a huge Jesse fan wrote the liner notes.

Its an excellent album, one that really grows with you. We’ll be playing songs from the album on Folk Roots Radio. In the meantime, here is Jesse Winchester with the easy on the ear and relentlessly upbeat “All That We Have Is Now” (2014, Appleseed Recordings). For more information visit jessewinchester.com.

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Folk Roots Radio on September 13 (Episode 167) featured interviews with British Americana duo Plumhall, who’ve just release a great album of moody British Americana, “Thundercloud” and Guelph-based singer-songwriter Jane Lewis, who releases her new album “Stay With Me” on September 26. We wrapped it all up in lots of great music including a highly topical mystery theme and this week’s guilty pleasure.

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Teal & Joyce will be in Guelph for a show at Magnolia Café, 88 Yarmouth St. on Saturday September 20 for a show at 8 p.m. Carol Teal and David Joyce write delightful songs about life’s challenges and the funny moments we all have. They also put on an engaging and fun show. Their most recent album (their third) is 2013’s “Has It All Been Said”. Magnolia is the perfect place for a meal and a show. Due to the intimate size of the venue, reservations are recommended. Call 519-766-4663 to reserve. For more information visit tealandjoyce.ca. Music: Teal and Joyce, Same Damn Door from Has It all Been Said (2013, Self)

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Guelph-based singer songwriter Jane Lewis releases her first solo album, “Stay With Me” on September 26, 2014 at Dublin St United Church in Guelph. The show starts at 8 p.m. Stay With Me is a piano-based folk-pop-roots album that blends engaging melodies and well-crafted lyrics, with gorgeous production that allows the vocals to stand up against the beautifully well-balanced musical accompaniment. The album features Jane Lewis on piano joined by a stellar core band of Sam Turton (guitar), Jesse Turton (bass) and Adam Bowman (drums & percussion). Special guests on the album include Jason Fowler, Eve Goldberg, Katherine Wheatley, Tannis Slimmon and Doug Wilde among others. The album was produced by Sam Turton and engineered by Nik Tjelios. The release show promises to be a very special night. You can buy tickets online here. Jane Lewis joined us in the studio to chat and play tracks from the album. For more information, visit janelewis.ca.

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Pharis & Jason Romero bring their beautiful harmonies and old-time banjo and guitar tunes to Kitchener on Friday September 12 for a show hosted by Folkway Music at the Registry Theatre, Kitchener. They released their recent album, “Long Gone Out West Blues”, in early 2013 to critical acclaim, the album garnering several awards while making it into the top 10 of many end of year ‘Best of’ lists. Long Gone Out West Blues features an array of songs that blend old and new, while telling stories about ageless characters, hard lives, love and loss. Tickets for the Registry show are $22.60 (includes HST) and available through Eventbrite, or in person at Folkway Music, 22 Dupont Street East, Waterloo ON N2J 2G9, 519-772-0424 (1-855-772-0424). Tickets will also be available at the Door $25 (cash only). The shows starts at 8:00 p.m. (Doors 7:30 p.m.). For more information: pharisandjason.com. Music: “Long Gone Out West Blues” and ‘I Want To Get Lucky” from “Long Gone Out West Blues” (2013, Lula Records).

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Hannah Shira Naiman will be at the Magnolia Café in Guelph on Thursday September 11 as part of a tour supporting her 2013 album release “Tether My Heart”. Tether My Heart is a gorgeous album of banjo-driven songs, inspired by Ola Belle Reid and Hazel Dickens, with an Appalachian Old-time feel and English / Irish folk ballad stylings thrown into the mix. Hannah’s music has already been critically acclaimed, drawing favourable comparisons with the work of both Gillian Welch and The Be Good Tanyas. At Magnolia, Hannah will be performing with fiddle player Rosalyn Dennett (formerly of Oh My Darling). The show starts at 8:00 p.m. and the cover is just $10. Due to the intimate size of the venue, reservations are recommended. Call 519-766-4663 to reserve. For more information visit hannahshiranaiman.com. Music: Hannah Shira Naiman “Looking For My True Love” and “Little Fox” from “Tether My Heart” (2013, Merriweather Records)

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Kitchener-based singer-songwriter Lynn Jackson releases her new album (with Chris Boyne), “The Acoustic Sessions” at The Jane Bond in Waterloo on September 7 2014. The show starts at 9:00 p.m. (doors at 8:00 p.m.) and admission is just $10 which also gets you copy of the CD – which is an amazing deal! Lynn will also be in Brantford at the Train Station Coffee House on September 6 and at Borealis in Guelph on September 18. After that she is off on a western tour. We caught up with Lynn at home in Kitchener. Music: “Wintersong” and “Mark The Spot” from “The Acoustic Sessions” (2014, Busted Flat Records)

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

Episode 366: Leela Gilday & International Women’s Day

Episode 365: Kristine Schmitt & International Women’s Day

Episode 364: The Rough and Tumble & More New Releases

Episode 363: Jeremie Albino & More New Releases

Episode 362: Chris Ronald & More New Releases

Episode 361: Ryan Cook & More New Releases

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JAN HALL

Host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan Hall started in Radio in 1993 at WEFT 90.1fm in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Folk Roots Radio (formerly Royal City Rag) debuted on CFRU 93.3fm in August 2005 before developing into a syndicated radio show. As the host of Folk Roots Radio, Jan focuses on bringing new folk, roots and blues music and the voices of upcoming and independent artists to the airwaves. Jan is also a much sought after stage host and festival emcee.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“A lot of country music is sad. I think most art comes out of poverty and hard times. It applies to music. Three chords and the truth – that’s what a country song is. There is a lot of heartache in the world.”Willie Nelson